United Nations representative in Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has come under fierce criticism for her recent meeting with leading member of the Popular Mobilization Forces Abdulaziz al-Mohammedawi.
Mohammedawi is also a member of the pro-Iran Kataib Hezbollah group that is accused by the anti-government protest movement of being complicit in violence against the demonstrators.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in Iraq did not disclose the purpose behind Hennis-Plasschaert’s meeting on Friday, which took place a day after the protesters marked the first anniversary of the eruption of their movement.
UNAMI’s verified Facebook account released a vague clarification on Saturday, saying: “The impartiality and independence at the heart of the United Nations mandate mean that we engage with a wide variety of stakeholders in the pursuit of peace. Our work in Iraq is no exception. Dialogue is the only solution. Intimidation, violence are never the way forward.”
Images of the UN official’s visit showed her posing for a photo with Mohammedawi with portraits of slain Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and deputy PMF chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in the background.
Both were killed in an American drone strike targeting Soleimani near Baghdad airport in January.
